Susan Hayter’s Post

🌟 Exciting Announcement🌟 The full agenda for the 2024 United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia-Pacific 🌏 is now live! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g_k-xXzS Join us in Bangkok from 24-27 September 2024, where we will delve into critical discussions on business and human rights with a focus on remedy. This year's forum promises a comprehensive agenda packed with diverse sessions and a wide array of partners dedicated to driving impactful change. 📅 Event Highlights: ✅ Over 60 Sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics including modern slavery, child rights, mandatory due diligence, just transitions, labour justice, and more. 🤝 Diverse Partners: Sessions featuring collaborations with leading organizations in the field of business and human rights. ♾️ Inclusive Participation: Welcoming diverse voices from businesses, governments, civil society, UN partners and academia to foster a holistic approach to advancing the business and human rights agenda in Asia. Why should you attend? 💬 Network with Industry Leaders: Engage with thought leaders and professionals from various sectors. 💡 Gain Insights: Learn about the latest trends, best practices, and innovative approaches to improve access to remedy and promote business and human rights. 🔀 Collaborate for Change: Participate in collaborative sessions aimed at developing effective remedies and solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative dialogue on business and human rights in Asia-Pacific. For more details, to register, and to view the latest agenda, visit https://www.rbhrforum.com. The UN RBHR Forum is organized by UNDP in Asia and the Pacific, ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, IOM Asia Pacific, UN Human Rights - Asia, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UN Women Asia and the Pacific, and UN Environment Programme. It is supported by the governments of Sweden 🇸🇪, Japan 🇯🇵, and the European Union 🇪🇺. #BizHumanRights #ResponsibleBiz #UNRBHR #RBHR2024 #Susty #AccessToRemedy ---- UNDP Bangladesh UNDP in India UNDP Pakistan UNDP Mongolia UNDP in Viet Nam UNDP Thailand UNDP Myanmar UNDP in Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam UNDP Lao PDR UNDP Cambodia Harpreet Kaur Aparna Basnyat Livio Sarandrea Pichamon Yeophantong, PhD Krizel Patolot Malabanan David Williams Pia Oberoi Romchat Wachirarattanakornkul Anastasia Vynnychenko Georgina Lloyd Elin Gidlöf Katja Freiwald Amy Baum Romain Sibille Taisuke K. Kevin Lehmann Ha Phung Akiko SATO Belinda Hlatshwayo Suparerk Wesarat Amy Sellmyer

Looking forward to sharing our case study with HP for #directworkervoice from supply chains in Malaysia and India. Meet us in Bangkok! MillionMakers is the ONLY worker voice platform for HRDD that contractually LICENSES data from workers, recognises that they OWN what they create, and delivers RAPID remedy from data at SCALE. Thousands of workers + hundreds of thousands of data points in days. Remotely deployed, working with HR teams for anonymous responses from fully-authenticated workers with no personal data collected. MillionMakers does not collect data. We incentivize workers to supply it. No data exploitation. No data extraction. MillionMakers is legitimate rights-based technology designed and deployed by an international NGO coalition. Bluenumber Be Slavery Free The Mekong Club Unseen UK with partners including Shrunk Innovation Group. Do you want to hear your workers? https://lnkd.in/dCFPVKPq Fuzz Kitto Carolyn Kitto OAM Andrew Wallis OBE Matthew Friedman #datarights #digitalequity #hrdd

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) requests Activity Proposals for funding with eligible partners under the Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP). This call requests multi-year proposals from eligible non-government partners to address shared and transboundary development challenges in the Mekong subregion. Proposals should focus on one or more of MAP’s thematic areas of: climate resilience; water security; economic resilience and subregional integration; and gender equality, disability and social inclusion. Proposals should total between $2 million and $10 million, be implemented through subregional (Mekong) and/or multi-country approaches (two or more Mekong countries) and demonstrate strong alignment to one or more MAP End of Portfolio Outcomes. https://lnkd.in/gBbqi_Ce

Summary of day 3 of the #RBHRF2024

Kenya Gains Full Access to EU Market with Economic Agreement. The Economic Partnership Agreement was signed at a ceremony in Nairobi, led by European Union Ambassador Henriette Geiger and witnessed by Kenyan President William Ruto. This agreement is described as the most ambitious in terms of sustainability and aims to boost job creation, ensure legal certainty, and provide stability for EU investments. It fully opens the EU market to Kenyan products and emphasizes sustainability with strong provisions on climate and environmental protection, labor rights, and gender equality. "The partnership between Kenya and the European Union has been significantly strengthened with the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement." stated Pres. Ruto. Kenya, a leader in sustainability efforts in Africa and a key ally in the EU’s climate strategies, co-leads the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate with the EU. The EPA aligns with the EU’s broader trade agenda with Africa, focusing on deepening trade relationships while enhancing sustainability goals across the continents. It is designed to be inclusive, allowing other East African Community countries to join in the future. #EUPartnership #KenyaEUTrade #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableTrade #ClimateAction #EUTradeAgenda #AfricaEUrelations #InvestInKenya #TradeForChange

The 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 #ABHRForum has just concluded with the pinnacle of the the Forum being the unveiling of the 𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀.  The forum has been quite the learning curve with one of the most impactful sessions being on the recent European Union #EU Council Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive CSDDD #CS3D and it's implications on African businesses towards ensuring business human rights #BHR are protected and upheld as well as environmental protection, through responsible business conduct #RBC, as businesses across the globe begin to adjust to this directive. This forum was not just about regulatory compliance for me, but a deeper reflection on the need for collective action to safeguard Children's rights, well being and human rights across global supply chains. It is clear there is a need to promote social protection and innovation as a means to increase employment opportunities and reduce poverty, as a prevention mechanism to prevent child labor and potential human rights abuse. Another key discussion was on the empowerment of #women and #youth through trade by removing barriers such as access to funding and capacity building, as well as the infusion of human rights in trade and business activities, to promote inclusion, and through guiding frameworks such as the #AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights #UNGPs and the #AU Policy Framework on Business and Human Rights. UNDP B+HR , United Nations Office at Nairobi , Danish Institute for Human Rights , UNICEF , UNDP United Nations Human Rights International Organisation of Employers (IOE) , UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights , African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights ,Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat ,Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) #ABHRForum #RBC #CS3D #BHR #Sustainability #AfCFTA #ChildrensRights #WomenEmpowerment #YouthEmpowerment

As the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH have reached the 20th anniversary of their collaboration, this milestone highlights the power of diverse partnerships in addressing complex global challenges. Together, they have tackled a range of issues—from addressing the skilled worker shortage in Germany 🇩🇪 to supporting green reconstruction efforts in Ukraine 🇺🇦, combatting gender-based violence in Lesotho 🇱🇸 and advancing climate action initiatives in Peru 🇵🇪 and Kenya 🇰🇪. Their combined strengths are driving impactful solutions for communities worldwide 🌱💪. This collaboration not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also unites efforts to promote sustainable development and social justice ⚖️ . GIZ partners with a variety of stakeholders, including multilateral organisations and private enterprises, enriching their approach with diverse perspectives. This synergy is essential for achieving lasting results ✅. Bineta Diop, Special Envoy of the African Union on Women, Peace ☮️, and Security 🛡️, emphasises the importance of these partnerships: "Partnerships are vital for the African Union’s goals outlined in Agenda 2063. They enhance our political relations and help us tackle climate change while fostering sustainable economies that create jobs. Together, we are breaking down barriers to gender equality and improving access to opportunities for women across Africa." 🙌 Looking to the future, both organisations envision a world where Africa 🌍 stands as a united global actor, advocating for its interests on the international stage. With GIZ’s support, they aim to further advance the women, peace, and security agenda, fostering positive change across borders ✅. As they celebrate this impactful partnership, the African Union and GIZ continue their meaningful work together, paving the way for a sustainable and just future👏 🌏. GIZ African Union African Union Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH United Nations #GIZ #AfricanUnion #Partnerships #SustainableDevelopment #Agenda2063 #Peace #Security #Africa #GermanyInAfrica #Partnership #Collaboration #Germany #Unity #FFP

Today, on Human Rights Day 2024, we reflect on three decades of progress in respecting and promoting the rights of all South Africans. Tsebo has been a development partner with a transformation ethos since 1983, guided by the utmost respect for human equality, freedom and dignity. As early adopters of the UN Global Compact's principles, we lead by example, combating corruption and ensuring that every aspect of our operations upholds the highest standards. What's more, we're committed to creating a work environment where each individual is treated fairly and respectfully. This involves maintaining a zero-tolerance stance against child labour and discrimination, prioritising fair labour practices and ensuring ongoing employee health and safety. Our overarching goal? To develop individuals, serve communities, and uplift society as a whole. Delve deeper into our sustainability efforts by visiting: https://bit.ly/4am6CAl #TseboCares #30YrsFreedom #HumanRightsDay2024 #HumanRghtsForAll

Vietnam Secures Re-election to UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028 Term Minister Bui Thanh Son spoke at the high-level meeting of the 55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, on February 26 in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Nhat Phong On February 26, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son attended and spoke at the high-level meeting of the 55th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son acknowledged that despite more than 75 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 30 years since the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, humanity still faces numerous challenges. These challenges include strategic competition, armed conflicts, climate change, insecurity regarding food, energy, and water, as well as various other forms of social injustices. The Minister emphasized that human rights can only be effectively ensured when peace, stability, and the rule of law are maintained and respected, with people at the center of all policies, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Furthermore, the Human Rights Council needs to prioritize the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights, the right to development, and the protection of vulnerable groups, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his speech, Minister Bui Thanh Son also highlighted Vietnam’s efforts in protecting human rights, including achieving over 5% economic growth in 2023 and reducing the poverty rate to 3%. Vietnam is committed to spending an average of around 3% of its GDP on social security while contributing to global food security by exporting over 8 million tons of rice in 2023. Moreover, Vietnam prioritizes protecting vulnerable groups, promoting gender equality, digital transformation, and human rights in its participation in the Human Rights Council. Based on its contributions and strong commitments, Minister Bui Thanh Son called on countries to support Vietnam’s re-election as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term. The Vietnamese delegation led by Minister Bui Thanh Son attended the High-Level Meeting of the 55th regular session of UNHRC. Photo: Nhat Phong At the meeting, delegates from all countries acknowledged the increasing challenges to ensuring human rights due to armed conflicts, instability in various regions, particularly in Gaza, and complex global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and food security. The rapid development of technology, especially artificial intelligence, also poses new challenges to fully and comprehensively ensuring human rights, according to UN leaders. UN leaders further warned that armed conflicts and instability significantly affect the realization of human rights, with vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected. UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis urged the Human Rights Council to find comprehensive solutions t...

International Labour Day 2024: Celebrating Female Leadership and Women's Empowerment for a Better World! The image of four women, at the United Nations rostrum, taken the day before yesterday, at the opening of the 57th session of the Commission on Population and Development #CPD57 is very expressive and illustrative of an ideal. The image is that of the Chair of the Commission, Honduran-born H. E. Ambassador Ms. Noemi Espinoza Madrid; the Secretary of the Commission; the UN Deputy-Secretary-General, Nigerian-born Ms. Amina J. Muhamed and UN Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Natalia Kanem from Panama, in the process of doing what should be termed, and rightly so: the laying of the groundwork for the sustainable development of the planet, or the re-examining of what the world should be like 30 years after the ICPD (#ICPD30, Summit of the Future in connection with other regional and global multilateral frameworks and mechanisms such as Agenda 2063, the post-SDG). This image, which has certainly marked many people, undoubtedly represents the powerful symbol of hope and change. It embodies the immense potential of women when they are fully empowered and able to reach their full potential. Investing in women is the smartest investment we can make. This is a fact proven by scientific studies, and supported by world leaders such as the former President of Chile, H. E. Ms. Michelle Bachelet and the IMF Managing Director, French-born Ms. Christine Lagarde. About that, '' When women thrive, nations thrive'' former UN SG, Mr. Ban Ki Moon is reported to have said. This image reminds us of the role that Organizations like #UNFPA plays, in support to Governments, in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. In #Cameroon, the organization works closely with the Government to achieve the objectives of the 8th Country Cooperation Programme, including a 10% increase in the number of women giving birth in approved health facilities. Initiatives such as the USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance-funded project targeting some 104,000 vulnerable persons in the country's conflict-stricken Far-North Region and the #SWEDD programme, among other initiatives, are implemented to support girls and women. UNFPA also advocates and supports the Government in the establishment of institutional and regulatory mechanisms, such as the Family Code, to guarantee an environment conducive to women's empowerment. On this International Labour Day, let us celebrate the women of the world. Let us continue to support their leadership, promote their empowerment and work towards a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a better future!!! Diene Keita Melissa Fleming Sennen Hounton, MD, MPH, PhD Sennen Hounton Coulibaly Siaka Justin Koffi Nelson Muffuh Fabrizia Falcione Noemi Dalmonte Aymar Narodar SOME